Applicator device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibres

ABSTRACT

An applicator device for applying a product of the fluid or pasty type to keratin fibres includes a central core of elongate shape which extends along a longitudinal axis XX, at least one row of elongate spikes that include a first end embedded in the core and/or in a flexible stem embedded in the central core at two points, and a second, free end, the spikes, the stem(s) and the core being integral, i.e. formed in one piece. According to the invention, all or some of the spikes are part of a row having a surface (a) belonging to a plane (b) curved in a spiral about the axis XX.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of applicators of fluid or pasty cosmetic products, such as mascara. The invention relates, more specifically, to the device or means for applying the cosmetic product.

PRIOR ART

Many mascara applicators are already known in the prior art. The actual applicator device can be, for example, an elongate brush provided with a central core from which a set of bristles or spikes stand on end. The bristles are based on old technology: a twisted metal wire retains bristles that stand transversely on end. One example of use is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,361.

More recently, the applicator device is presented in the form of a brush with a series of spikes embedded in the longitudinal core of the brush. The whole is moulded in plastic. An applicator device thus forms, combined with a suitable vessel into which it can be inserted, a cosmetic product dispenser. Applications FR 2 810 850 and WO 2011/045770 show some examples of applicators derived from this concept.

The applicator devices or brushes of the prior art have the disadvantage that the spikes do not allow the correct transfer of the cosmetic product from the vessel to the spikes, and proper application of the product to the keratin fibres, in order to lengthen, thicken and/or separate same.

One solution that the prior art contemplates for improving the loading of brushes with mascara consists of using spikes having one planar face for collecting the mascara, while the non-planar face helps to separate the eyelashes. Document EP 1 872 682 describes such a brush; the spikes are arranged in rows parallel to the longitudinal axis of the brush and all the spikes of a row have their planar faces on the same side: the planar faces are aligned while the non-planar faces are on the same side of the line. The user of the brush therefore moves the brush in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the brush, while rotating same.

Brushes this type do not have maximum efficiency because the eyelashes have a curved geometry by nature, when the user rotates the brush, the rows of spikes are not placed in an optimal manner in front of the eyelashes. The transfer to the mascara load. With this type of brush, the user is therefore forced to perform several passes of the eyelashes while reversing the rotational movement of the brush to ensure that she recovers a sufficient amount of mascara.

Somewhat differently, patent application WO2009/141098A1 discloses an applicator device of which the applicator has several rows of spikes rising from the top of a blade that is twisted about the main core. The spikes, when the user rotates the device slightly, quickly lose contact with the eyelashes, which are positioned in a fringe having a complex curve. Even if the blade supporting the spikes moves along the body like a spiral, the spikes remain aligned on a line parallel to the main axis of the applicator device. This is therefore not satisfactory.

Patent FR2969470.B1 is also known, describing a cosmetic applicator device which comprises an elongate core extending along a longitudinal axis XX. The device also comprises at least one supple and flexible stem oriented longitudinally and embedded in said core at least at one first point and one second point. This flexible stem has spikes on it. These spikes are positioned in the direction of the longitudinal axis XX. These spikes remain aligned on a single line parallel to the main axis XX of the applicator device. The spikes, when the user rotates the device slightly, quickly lose contact with the eyelashes, which are positioned in a fringe having a complex curve.

Even if this solution offers some improvement over the prior art, the load is not transferred regularly and quickly; this therefore constitutes a significant disadvantage.

Patent FR2982466B1 is also known, describing an applicator device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibres, comprising a core or a technically equivalent element, which is elongate and extends along a first longitudinal axis XX. A plurality of elongate spikes extend along a second longitudinal axis YY; the spikes have an organised roughness, defined by a plurality of simple or combined geometric microshapes, said shapes being made in positive or negative relief with respect to said outer surface of the spikes.

Development and improvement therefore appear to be necessary, in particular as regards organising the rows of spikes. The orientation of the rows of spikes should help to improve both product loading and the separation of the eyelashes or keratin fibres.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to solve the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to propose an applicator device capable of capturing a maximum volume of cosmetic product when it is in contact with same, while keeping this product even after passing through the wringer; the wringer is a small part placed on the mouth of the fluid container, capable of removing the excess cosmetic product captured by the actual applicator.

The invention therefore relates to an applicator device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibres, comprising a central core of elongate shape which extends along a longitudinal axis XX, at least one row of elongate spikes comprising a first end embedded in the core and/or in a flexible stem embedded in the central core at two points, and a second free end, the spikes, the stem(s) and the core being integral, i.e. formed in one piece.

To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, the feature according to which all or some of the spikes in a row have a surface (a) belonging to a plane (b) curved in a spiral about the XX axis is proposed.

A plane curved in a spiral is defined as a curved plane: defined longitudinally and externally by a first spiral wound about the longitudinal axis XX; and defined longitudinally and internally by a second spiral. The curved plane is a virtual plane, used here to geometrically define the characteristic elements of the invention.

More precisely, said spiral plane (b) is also defined between first and a second transverse axes Y, Y′, which have an angular offset of 1° to 720°.

The characteristic surfaces of the spikes and the spiral plane (b) to which they belong serve to guide the eyelashes in a precise and harmonious way, while capturing a maximum volume of cosmetic product and keeping it after passing through the wringer.

Interestingly, said at least one flexible stem has a spiral shape, which is part of said spiral plane defined above.

In addition, all or part of said spikes each have at least one recess or negative relief defined by the spiral plane.

In addition, all or part of said spikes each have at least one projection or positive relief. This projection increases the surface for holding the cosmetic product.

These characteristic elements of the invention allow the spikes to have a face and/or a recess and/or a projection that is suitable for retaining the make-up formula that is always correctly positioned in front of the eyelashes when the user is applying make-up. Advantageously, when the user rotates the device slightly, the row of spikes, generally positioned in a spiral, is always correctly positioned facing the eyelashes or other keratin fibres to be made-up or treated. The cosmetic product retained on the inner surface of the spike or in the recesses positioned on same is transferred directly to the keratin fibres without the user having to modify and correct the position of the device in front of the eyelashes.

According to another feature of the invention, the device comprises several rows of spikes arranged substantially in several different spiral planes.

Said spikes can have different heights according to their location on the core and/or on a flexible stem.

Advantageously, said spikes can have embedded bases which are larger than the free ends thereof, and are preferably contiguous. A kind of continuous blade can thus be formed, the main inner surface of which belongs to a curved spiral plane.

In addition, the device may include several longitudinal areas having different spike arrangements, at least one of said areas being provided with spikes aligned along the XX axis.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises at least one stem that is flexible over a first portion of the length thereof, and spikes implanted on the core over a second portion of the length thereof.

According to another embodiment of the invention, said flexible stems form a first assembly and a second assembly, the stems of said first assembly being embedded at a distal end of the core and substantially at the middle of the core, the stems of the second assembly being embedded substantially at the middle of the core and at a proximal end of the core.

Interestingly, the integral device is moulded by multi-material injection, preferably by bi-material or tri-material injection. Preferred materials are, for example, a thermoplastic polymer or a thermoplastic elastomer polymer or even a vulcanisable rubber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be clear from reading the following description, made in reference to the appended figures, which show:

FIG. 1, a perspective view of an applicator device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2, a side view showing the surface (b) curved in a spiral associated with the spikes;

FIG. 3, a front view of the curved surface (b);

FIG. 4, a perspective view showing a row of spikes arranged according to the invention;

FIG. 5, a diagram showing the outer evolute of the surface curved in a spiral;

FIG. 6a , a side view showing the arrangement of several rows of spikes;

FIG. 6b , a front view showing the arrangement of several rows of spikes according to FIG. 6 a;

FIG. 7A, a diagram showing a row of spikes placed against the surface curved in a spiral;

FIG. 7B, a view of a spike provided with recesses according to the invention;

FIG. 7C, a view of a spike of FIG. 7B, from a first angle;

FIG. 7D, a view of a spike of FIG. 7B, from a second angle;

FIG. 8, a three-dimensional view of a row of spikes;

FIG. 9, a vdew of a spike according to an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 10, a view of a spike according to another alternative embodiment;

FIG. 11, a perspective view of an applicator device according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12, a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12A, a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 12;

FIG. 13, a side view of a specific embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14, a perspective side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15, a simplified perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention, with specific spikes;

FIG. 16, an embodiment of the invention comprising spikes on flexible stems as well as on the core, arranged according to the invention;

FIG. 17A, a side view of an applicator device including flexible stems supporting spikes according to the invention;

FIG. 17B, a partial enlarged view of FIG. 17A;

FIG. 18, an embodiment similar to that of FIGS. 17A and 17B;

FIG. 19, a side view of a bi-material applicator device according to the invention;

FIG. 20, a side view of a bi-material applicator device;

FIG. 21, a side view of a device according to the invention, made of three different materials.

For greater clarity, identical or similar features are identified by identical reference signs in all the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows an example of an applicator device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibres, comprising, in particular, a central core 1 of elongate shape extending along an XX axis, preferably of constant cross-section, although this feature is not mandatory. It has been favourably considered to provide a conical core 1, with a taper of 0.05° to 15°, as shown in FIG. 2 by the alpha angle.

At least one row of elongate spikes 2 is provided. The spikes have a first end 20 embedded in the core 1, and a second free end 21. The spikes can have various different shapes as will be understood from reading the rest of this text. The number of rows of spikes usually varies between 1 and 36. Such an applicator can have a useful length of 5 mm to 35 mm for the specific treatment of the eyelashes or eyebrows, and 5 mm to 120 mm for the treatment of other keratin fibres. The spikes commonly have a length of 0.5 mm to 7 mm.

This applicator device is obviously integral; it can be obtained in different ways: by mono-injection, bi-injection or tri-injection moulding; the integral applicator according to the invention can also be obtained by additive manufacturing, machining or compression. The materials that can be used include a thermoplastic polymer or a thermoplastic elastomer polymer or even a vulcanisable rubber. These materials may contain a filler of mineral, metal, chemical or organic material.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an applicator device comprising a row of spikes 2 embedded in the core 1 and having a surface or face belonging to a plane b curved in a spiral about the longitudinal axis XX. As described below, the spikes can have various shapes; however, they must always one face belonging to the curved plane b.

FIG. 3 gives another view of the virtual plane b, against which all or part of the spikes 2 of a row are placed. According to FIG. 3, the spikes are embedded in a flexible stem 3, which in turn is embedded in the central core 1 at two points. The spikes are obviously free at the second end 21 thereof.

FIG. 4 shows a row of frustoconical spikes 2, one side of which belongs to the plane b curved in a spiral, which is more visible in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the spiral d which serves as a direction vector for the spiral plane b; the spiral deployed herein can be seen very clearly, serving as a guide for the so-called spiral plane b that is defined between a first transverse axis Y and a second transverse axis Y′. According to this figure, the angular offset. between Y and Y′ is 720°, or two complete turns. A smaller angle can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention, at least 1°.

FIGS. 6a and 6b show one embodiment of the invention in side view and front view, respectively: two spiral planes are provided, which cross substantially at the middle of the length of the applicator device.

FIG. 7A and FIGS. 7B, 7C and 7D highlight a particular shape of spikes that are suitable for the implementation of the invention. More precisely, the spikes 2 which are here embedded in a flexible stem 3 that is part of the spiral plane b have at least one recess or hollow relief, negative relief. The spikes 2 have a conical general shape, with the widest base embedded in a flexible stem 3. Two recesses 22, 23 are provided in this cone. The recesses are located at two different heights of the spike 2. The recesses 22, 23 are made from flat cut-outs in the spiral plane b. The recesses 22, 23 make it possible to capture the fluid or pasty product and to retain it efficiently.

FIG. 8 shows only a row of spikes 2 as arranged in the space. Characteristically, their faces a are arranged in the spiral plane b visible in FIG. 7A, in particular.

FIG. 9 shows another shape of spikes 2 having embedded bases 20 which are larger than the free ends 21 thereof. Such spikes also have a flattened shape, and a surface a belonging to the spiral plane b. These spikes are preferably placed contiguously so that together they form a kind of blade.

FIG. 10 shows another shape of a spike according to the invention, which includes a projection or positive relief 24. The projection 24, which is substantially flat here, can be oriented at a right angle to the face or surface a already defined.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in which the spikes 2 are embedded in stems 3 which in turn are embedded in one end of the device (distal or proximal) and substantially at the middle of the length of the core 1. One row half is formed in this way; the other row half is formed by spikes 2 embedded in the core 1. This so-called mixed solution is interesting because it is more rigid than a solution comprising only arches, all other things being equal.

FIGS. 12 and 12A correspond to an embodiment according to which the spikes 2 all have projections 24, as defined above in relation to FIG. 10. The spikes 2 are directly linked to the core 1 and their geometry complies with the features defined above, in particular as regards their connection with the spiral plane b.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment according to which the rows of spikes 2, having a surface in the plane b, extend over a portion of the length of the core 1; specifically, the length in question is around the middle of the total length of the applicator. At both ends of the applicator device, the spikes are aligned and have, for example, planar faces belonging to longitudinal planes.

FIG. 14 is a variant of FIG. 13; it differs from the former by the presence of a single end area provided with spikes having planar faces in longitudinal planes.

FIG. 15 shows the example of an embodiment in which flattened spikes, shown in FIG. 9, are provided. Several series of blades formed by such spikes 2 can be clearly seen.

FIG. 16 is a mixed solution, i.e. the device comprises spikes 2 implanted both in the flexible stems 3 and in the core 1.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show a solution whereby the spikes are all implanted in flexible stems 3. The flexible stems 3 form two groups: the first extends over approximately half the length of the device; the second extends over the other half of the length of the device. The flexible stems of one group are placed in the extension of the flexible stems of the other group.

FIG. 18 differs from FIG. 17 in the implantation of the spikes, which do not all start at the stems, but also at the core 1.

FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 relate to so-called multi-material embodiments, since they are made of several materials, obtained as indicated above. 

1.-12. (canceled)
 13. A device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibers, comprising: an elongate central core extending along a longitudinal axis XX; at least one row of elongate spikes comprising a first end embedded in the core and/or in at least one flexible stem embedded in the central core at two points; and a second free end; the spikes, the stem(s) and the core are integrally formed as a single piece, wherein all or part of the spikes that are part of a row have a surface belonging to a plane curved in a spiral about the XX axis.
 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the spiral plane is defined between first (Y) and second (Y′) transverse axes, which have an angular offset of 1° to 720°.
 15. The device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one flexible stem has a spiral shape which is part of the spiral plane.
 16. The device according to claim 13, wherein all or part of the spikes each have at least one recess or negative relief defined by the spiral plane.
 17. The device according to claim 13, wherein all or part of the spikes each have at least one projection or positive relief.
 18. The device according to claim 13, comprising several rows of spikes substantially arranged according to several different spiral planes.
 19. The device according to claim 13, wherein it comprises several longitudinal areas having different spike arrangements, at least one of the longitudinal areas being provided with spikes aligned along the XX axis.
 20. The device according to claim 13, wherein the spikes have different heights according to their location on the core and/or on the flexible stem.
 21. The device according to claim 13, wherein the spikes have embedded bases that are larger than the second free ends and are preferably contiguous.
 22. The device according to claim 13, comprising at least one stem that is flexible over a first portion of its length, and spikes implanted in the core over a second portion of its length.
 23. The device according to claim 13, wherein the flexible stems form a first assembly and a second assembly, stems of the first assembly being embedded at a distal end of the core and substantially at the middle of the core, stems of the second assembly being embedded substantially at the middle of the core and at a proximal end of the core.
 24. The device according to claim 13, wherein it is molded by multi-material injection. 